Her Hometown Heart.

by Andrea Boeshaar

  Amie gaped. Such ignorance boggled her mind.

  Reider stood. “I told the pastor, here, that I’m willing to talk to the police and help with the clean-up. Like I said earlier, I don’t want to bring any trouble down on my family.” Then to Amie and Tom, he added, “I’m real sorry and...well, I wish you guys the best.”

  Everyone rose almost simultaneously.

  Tom stuck out his right hand. “I appreciate your honesty.”

  Reider shook it. “About time, huh?” With a rueful smile, he left the house.

  Jake followed him out.

  Katie lifted her hands helplessly. “I don’t know what to say. I’m stunned—and really angry with Big Al. Too angry with him to even pray for him at this moment.”

  “And I’m relieved.” Tom said with a shrug. “I don’t claim to understand Al’s hatred, but having lived with it practically all my life, it’s nice to hear somebody acknowledge it. Up until tonight, the prejudice in this town against my family has been something undefined and ignored...and accepted.”

  Amie stepped close to him, slipping her arm around his elbow. “I don’t care about any of it. I love you with all my heart.”

  He gave her an affectionate wink. “Truth is, I can’t imagine where I’d be today if God hadn’t brought you into my life, Amie.”

  “Aww…young love.” Katie sighed dramatically. “May it last forever.”

  “Amen!” Tom and Amie said in unison before breaking into light laughter.

  Epilogue

  The October sunshine shone through a clear blue sky and warmed the day to a perfect seventy-five degrees. Down in the church basement, where Tom’s living quarters had been up until a week ago, Amie gazed into the large bathroom mirror and smoothed down the lace on the full-length skirt of her antique-white wedding dress.

  “Will you stop fidgeting?” Dottie, her only bridesmaid told her, clad in a burgundy, satin gown. “You look fine.”

  “What about my hair?”

  “The French twist is gorgeous. Don’t touch it—there’s not a strand out of place.”

  “Better not be,” she quipped, “after all the hair spray you put on it.”

  Hearing high-heeled footfalls descending the wooden steps, they both turned and exited the tiny restroom.

  Nancy Simonson appeared, her frosted hair falling to her shoulders in permanent waves. “The church is packed. It’s like Christmas or something!” She grinned. “But I wanted to give you a hug, Amie, before you walk down the aisle.” They embraced, and Nancy placed a kiss on her cheek. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thanks, Nancy.

  Amie took in her friend’s weary features. Living with her parents wasn’t exactly ideal and Nancy couldn’t wait to get her own apartment. The job at the hotel would help, once the café opened. With Al in jail, doing two consecutive ten-year terms for vandalism, domestic abuse, assault and battery, and attempted kidnapping, Nancy worked hard to gather the pieces of her life as a single mother. “I keep trying to remember Al the way he was on our wedding day.” Nancy smiled. “Believe it or not, Al was quite handsome and charming.”

  “There’s still hope.”

  “Yes, but not for Al and me as a couple. I finally decided that I have to move on with my life.” Nancy hugged Amie once more. “I’m just glad you and Tom are building the foundation of your marriage on your faith. Al and I didn’t have that start.” She suddenly chuckled. “And Tom’s so funny...I just saw him. He just cannot wait until you’re Mrs. Thomas Anderson.” Leaning forward conspiratorially, she added, “He’d probably like to skip the reception altogether and get right to the honeymoon.”

  Dottie laughed and agreed.

  “Well, he can forget that notion. My mother and I practically killed ourselves—and each other—getting that banquet room ready for this evening.” She sighed. “It’s such a shame the entire hotel won’t be completed for another month or so—which is not entirely Al’s doing.”

  “I know, I know...I’m just glad your apartment is finished.”

  The old pipe organ began the first strains of the wedding march and Nancy made a hasty departure back into the sanctuary.

  Following her up the stairs, Amie and Dottie paused in the tiny vestibule where they were met by their father, and Matthew.

  “You’re lucky.” Dottie whispered, just before taking Matt’s arm. “You’re marrying a guy who really loves you.”

  “I know.” Tears of happiness threatened, and the wedding hadn’t even begun. However, it wasn’t the first time her sister had made such a comment, and she sensed Dottie’s heart was softening.

  “You look like a million bucks, Princess.” Dad declared, taking her hand and wrapping it around his elbow.

  She smiled. “Thanks. You look quite dapper yourself, Mr. Potter.”

  He barely had time to grin before the procession began. The wedding party consisted of only a maid of honor and best man, so Amie didn’t have long to wait. As she made her way up the aisle on her father’s arm, she paid little heed to the many well-wishers crowded into the tiny country church. Her gaze was on her beloved.

  Tom was waiting for her expectantly, his hazel eyes captivated by her every step.

  At last her father gave her away, and she linked arms with Tom, his nervous warmth radiating from beneath the black tuxedo.

  The ceremony proceeded. The vows were pledged, Amie choking on her emotion when it came her turn to speak, then shedding several tears as Tom promised to “love, honor, and cherish.”

  It seemed as though only moments passed before Pastor Warren looked at Tom, and said, “You may kiss your bride.”

  She turned to her new husband, suppressing the urge to giggle at his eager expression.

  Tom gently cupped her face with his hands and lowered his mouth to hers, touching her lips lightly at first, then steadily deepening the kiss.

  Jake cleared his throat.

  Chuckles and “Amens!” emanated from the congregation.

  Amie felt herself blushing profusely before deciding Tom’s kiss was the best she’d ever experienced—and pretty good for a guy who’d never done that before. She glanced at him in mild amazement as they walked back down the aisle, sporting the title of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Richard Anderson.

  “The first toast this evening needs to go to Hal,” Tom whispered as they reached the foyer.

  “For sure.” Their hotel and their marriage today…it seemed Uncle Hal had planned it all.

  They stepped outside to receive their guests and Amie gazed up at the cloudless sky. “How’s this for a practice? To Uncle Hal…our heavenly matchmaker.”

  “Perfect.” Tom took her hand before leaning forward to kiss her. “Just perfect.”

  Thank you

  We appreciate you reading this Prism title. For other Christian fiction and clean-and-wholesome stories, please visit our on-line bookstore at www.prismbookgroup.com.

  For questions or more information, contact us at customer@pelicanbookgroup.com.

  Prism is an imprint of

  Pelican Book Group

  www.PelicanBookGroup.com

  Connect with Us

  www.facebook.com/Pelicanbookgroup

  www.twitter.com/pelicanbookgrp

  To receive news and specials, subscribe to our bulletin

  http://pelink.us/bulletin_

  May God’s glory shine through

  this inspirational work of fiction.

  AMDG

  You Can Help!

  At Pelican Book Group it is our mission to entertain readers with fiction that uplifts the Gospel. It is our privilege to spend time with you awhile as you read our stories.

  We believe you can help us to bring Christ into the lives of people across the globe. And you don’t have to open your wallet or even leave your house!

  Here are 3 simple things you can do to help us bring illuminating fiction™ to people everywhere.

  1) If you enjoyed this book, write a positive review. Post it at online retailers an
d websites where readers gather. And share your review with us at reviews@pelicanbookgroup.com (this does give us permission to reprint your review in whole or in part.)

  2) If you enjoyed this book, recommend it to a friend in person, at a book club or on social media.

  3) If you have suggestions on how we can improve or expand our selection, let us know. We value your opinion. Use the contact form on our web site or e-mail us at customer@pelicanbookgroup.com

  God Can Help!

  Are you in need? The Almighty can do great things for you. Holy is His Name! He has mercy in every generation. He can lift up the lowly and accomplish all things. Reach out today.

  Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

  ~Isaiah 41:10 (NAB)

  We pray daily, and we especially pray for everyone connected to Pelican Book Group—that includes you! If you have a specific need, we welcome the opportunity to pray for you. Share your needs or praise reports at http://pelink.us/pray4us

  Free Book Offer

  We’re looking for booklovers like you to partner with us! Join our team of influencers today and periodically receive free eBooks and exclusive offers.

  For more information

  Visit http://pelicanbookgroup.com/booklovers